Minsters Sidecar Bumping Along - ttc graduates thread 5

[larrythelizard]

As I'm avoiding doing any of the useful stuff I should be doing I thought I'd just pop another sidecar up x

@bez91 I need to put a quick top coat on it today as some bits looked a bit patchy this morn and do the skirting in DS's room as I was too tired to move everything away from the wall by the end of the day yesterday. DS isn't back till after lunch so I'm getting it done just now then I'll take him out later to prevent the sticky hands everywhere.
That sucks that DH is free tomorrow but make the most of it and send him out to do lots of jobs like collect paint for you, go out good shopping and come back cook you a nice meal.

Good luck today @Vil10, hope you've got the handkies for your mum, happy tears all round 🤞

@Minster2012 thank you for the scar update - I need to be more diligent about my moisturising then. Do you use anything in particular? I've got bio oil and that classic cocoa stretch mark cream. And lol at lime pickle, I have my foreign moments but I feel you have your Yorkshire ones too 😁. It's that strong pickle you get with your Indian takeaway - for poppadoms and stuff like that? You'd be able to get it in Pataks jars in the supermarket but honestly I'd have no idea what to pair it with outside of Indian food!

@Juno231 @Minster2012 DH sometimes has a lime pickle and ham sandwich which I can not get on board with. I only ever really bother with the mango in the popadoms and dips!

@DKDK123 you're a better woman than me doing gloss work, I am barely even doing any washing up at the moment!

Anyone got any thoughts of headache remedies other than paracetamol? If I could ditch the headache and just be nauseous I'd feel so much better but usually only ibuprofen touches my headaches and obv can't take that.

I also have my early scan today, absolutely shitting it...thankfully have a couple of calls at work to distract me before having to leave at lunchtime

So many sleeping options! So do normal pushchairs (none travel systems) not come with a carry cot? So by my reckoning I need either that or a moses basket, something for my room for next to the bed and then a proper cot for their own room, once a bit older. Right. 🤣 Thanks everyone for the tips, I'm compiling an options list.
One question i do have though- do babies sleep a lot downstairs in the beginning? Can you not just put them upstairs in whatever they sleep in at night? Or does that never work?

@Kate105 TSD and his arms. 🤣 Bless him. He'll have a use for them one day!
@Ltay2 Time really does go fast! He looks huge now! I see your photos on Instagram and it's really nice to see them changing.
@DKDK123 yuk on the painting. As we've gone along we've swapped all of ours to water based. I can't be dealing with gloss or the smell of it. Should you even be breathing it in? I told DH I can't breathe paint (this was matt 🤣) and so when he white washed the plaster and did the ceilings i was like- nope, can't help. 🤣 It was at the point i was struggling with smells though anyway. I'm much better now. I hate painting.....
@Juno231 the problem with your scars is that they are new and not healed. Healing scars do itch and pull and hurt. Yours maybe wouldn't have before now, because of where they are, but if you start getting fatter then it's pulling on it? I really struggle with my wrist still (nearer the joint) for that reason as its constantly pulling on it. Its a mess tbh. And that has not healed as neatly. I use the term healed loosely as it still isn't, and it was done in June. Until it goes white, it isn't healed. Scar tissue doesn't stretch and like @Minster2012 says, there's not much you can do. But with newer scars you are meant to keep them moist. Hospital told me a non-perfumed emollient cream like e45 or whatever. But it's hard to put it on regularly enough in my case. I keep it covered with silicon tape most the time now as that stops it drying out. Its agony if it does! Silicon gel lasts longer than e45 though between applications so I use that if going out, minus the tape.
@larrythelizard I struggle with the headache thing too. I don't think you can take more than paracetamol, but usually I need ibuprofen. A forehead stick is the only other thing. Sometimes mine though are tension ones and if you can get someone to massage your neck/top of back/top of shoulders, then often that actually helps mine? The acupuncture lady also helps. 🤣 Good luck with the scan! 🤞
@kaylsd Great you are finally in the system! I don't think we even get just one round here, probably be someone different every time?!

It's definitely like a Buddha rub that ppl want to do..which is just weird to me. One of my friends will be very much like this, she's really touchy feely & a paediatric nurse so loves all the baby things so I kinda wanted to leave seeing her for a while until I've got a bump but I do now!

@paintfairy most "normal" prams have a separate carrycot that you buy & attach. But you'll get them second hand too if you want then most fabrics can be cleaned (or ours go in the wash) That's why I have 2 "baby jogger" prams as my prams because one carrycot fits on both of them. On the baby sleeping elsewhere during the day they are meant to be near you constantly when asleep so you can see them. HOWEVER, we started to do naps in his cot from 4 weeks with a monitor on & he was napping when a midwife came twice & they were happy. We also did the have him in the pram carrycot as well. But it's not the recommended thing, so having somewhere to sleep near you elsewhere is good. Personally I like to put a baby down rather than contact napping all the time (I do love it sometimes but not all the time). The one thing I will say though is having "somewhere" to put them safely, away from dogs in the areas you spend most time in is a good idea so you can put them down. We have a baby bjorn bouncer & it's the best thing

@kaylsd thank you that's very helpful, I have had 2 sets of my lymph nodes removed so I'm still classed as immunosuppressed as well as having had the chemo so I guess having it is better than not. My other booster was in oct so will check when 3 months will be. Yeyyyy for a booking appointment!

@Juno231 I use bio oil & then a weleda stretch marks too, the consultant suggested coconut oil so I think I might try add that in too 😂. Ahhhh yes the lime pickle!! I get that now, we hardly ever have Indian so I guess that's why I forgot!

@larrythelizard I found something interesting for migraines that ppl said worked the other day it was a pressure point peg for your hand. But ppl also said that they put a "normal peg" on their hands too and it helped

Like this

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Aculief-Migraine-Relief-Palm-Pressure-Clip-Hand-Massager-Tension-Best-Gift-/165174276437?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

And oh I'm so sorry for forgetting your scan darling good luck 🤞🏻 and hopefully time will pass quickly

@paintfairy for the first 6 months they have to sleep with you in the room so a lot of the time that ends up being downstairs unless you want to sit upstairs with them. If a pram isn't part of a travel system then it would usually either be a carrycot style pram or a pushchair style, the travel system just means you can change between really. If you have a snuzpod the cot part does detach and can be carried downstairs although it is a bit bulky and you wouldn't manage it carrying baby at the same time and would definitely need help carrying it if you'd had a c section but it is manageable if you have someone to cart it up and down for you. A second hand Moses basket (just buy a new mattress) is probably the best option given that they only fit in them for a matter of weeks! Tbh we spent (and still do spend) most naps enjoying the cuddle and peace, or he would sleep in the car or on a walk in the pram. A sling is also a good option for around the house so if you have a baby who doesn't like to be put down you can still get on with any bits of jobs you want to do, and have hands free to eat etc.

@DKDK123 that is a good idea but I love my job now working for/next to my mum, and the nursery will kind of branch out from what we already have! But baring in mind I need a new house, car and having a baby this year I think the nursery will be something in the future and not something for me to stress about just yet😂 it's just been something we've thought about! You're a saint for glossing when pregnant, we did ours during lockdown including all the radiators, window sills, skirting boards etc and it was the worst thing I ever committed to doing!!

@bez91 urghhh stupid DH!!

@Minster2012 @DKDK123 Thankyou ladies!! Hoping for happy tears (and most likely lots of them from my mum) 🤞🏼

@kaylsd ooo chippy dinner!! I've been craving one for ages! Glad you have your appointment booked in now! Not long to go!!

@larrythelizard good luck lovely!! What time?

@paintfairy with sleeping arrangements, obviously I'm a first timer too but from what I know and what friends have done I'll have a snug pod next to me crib for the first 6 months next to our bed, a Moses basket for downstairs, and then obviously the cot for the nursery when they get in there! Also all my friends use sleepyheads and love to me so that'll be added to my list

@paintfairy sorry that was meant to be snuzpod not snug😂

good luck on your scan today @larrythelizard !

@Vil10 when is yours? this is the one you got for £30 right? bet your mum is really excited for it!

good chat about sleeping situation, something I've been thinking about lately as well. I know the baby is meant to sleep in the same room as you for first 6 months, but I'm assuming that since we're in a fairly small London flat, it will be fine to put them in another room to nap? nothing in our flat is soundproof lol so don't even know if we'd need a monitor! Are sleepyheads something you can get second hand or is it like cot mattresses etc where you're meant to get them new?

@Ltay2 lovely photo! wild how quickly the time goes by isn't it!

I could def get on board with a lime pickle & ham sandwich @larrythelizard great shout from your DH. I LOVE piccalilli too, yum abd good luck again for the scan xxx

still trying to make my way through everything btw, seems like every time I come to the thread there's a new page (which is great, lots of chat going on) but struggling to catch up a bit. Here for all the pickle chat though haha.

I have to say I'm also partial to a big crunchy gherkin (ooer) when Lidl did a special on Polish foods I definitely stocked up on a few jars.

Good luck @larrythelizard ❤️

@Vil10 We used a sleepyhead too, even though they aren't "safe" anymore. It was either that or me not sleep for 3 months as he wouldn't sleep anywhere else 😂 he slept on his belly too so obviously the health visitors loved us.

@Minster2012 deffo better off having it darling plus there's research looking into little ones in the womb having benefits antibodies wise but I'm sure if your a little bit unsure your oncologist would be able to offer advice :)?
@paintfairy I love the thought of the same one each time however no doubt with staff shortages and covid sickness in NHS at the moment being absolutely horrendous (or it is around here) the likelihood of it happening is slim!
Good luck with your scans today ladies @larrythelizard & @Vil10 🤞🏻🤞🏻
@larrythizard I think the remedy 4head is safe to be used in pregnancy? If that is any help for you hopefully they’ll pass soon
@vil10 maybe go treat yourself to the chippy? Cannot beat fish chips battered sausage and curry sauce & couple of slices of bread with lurpack to help mop up anything😍😍😍😍🤣

Just seen an advert pop up on Facebook for a boona car seat stroller and it looks the most amazing thing ever! Don't know how good they actually are but the idea sounds cool 😎

Good luck @larrythelizard x

@Minster2012 oh that makes much more sense. I didn't realise the baby was meant to be near you when sleeping. Until what age? And how on earth do you do your cleaning then? 🤣 @Ltay2 i realised they did at night, but I didn't realise that applied to the day time as well. A sling might be useful for both in and out the house but that's a whole new minefield I've not embarked upon yet. 🤣 And yes I forgot to reply when @minster2012 mentioned the sleepyhead earlier. A while back I saw quite a lot of controversy on the safety of them, so personally that would never be on my list of things to consider. Also many people regret using them because yes they work, but when the baby outgrows it they can't get the baby to sleep without, and so have a whole new issue. So I will likely get a sidesleeper I think and hope for the best! As well as needing a plan for downstairs.
@whatwonder yes, this thread seems to move much faster these days! 🤣
@kaylsd must only be me that hates the chippy. 🤮 I always find it too greasy and it sits too heavy. Chips from anywhere else are fine! Weird.

So- my ebay h&m maternity jeans have come. And I now know that shop and my body don't work. 🤣 I've always been funny with trousers though. I got a 14 and although I can get them on, they are very tight. I have big thighs and bum. I'm in-between sizes though really as the DP ones I got are actually slightly too big. 🤦‍♀️ Can't win. But as soon as I saw them and held them up I thought- no way am I getting in those and I was surprised I even managed to pull them up. 🤣

@paintfairy that's why I put a baby down to do jobs in somewhere safe. But it's each person who has to make the decision on what you are comfortable with. That and I was trying to make sure he slept in various scenarios not just on me 😂, we also wanted to do white noise & darkness for as many "sleep scenarios" as possible. who knows if it worked or not but he was a great sleeper. Karma will get us 😬damn it on the jeans I like the H&M ones though it's a shame the jersey band comes down pretty low so can be seen. However I did get THE BEST fleece lined running tights which are the comfiest thing in the world

@kaylsd thank you I shall ask, I'm also seeing my GP next week for my whooping cough vaccine & also X's preschool immunisations so might ask her. I've started to get lots of ads pop up for baby stuff. It's spying on me 😂

@whatwonder I think it's because you are meant to watch them all the time (where the hell the "sleep when they sleep" phrase comes from I don't know then) but others can advise on whether you are meant to be breathing distance so they can regulate their breathing, I don't know as I'm obviously a bit of a rule breaker so don't listen to me! So I guess even in a one bed flat having the baby in your line of sight wouldn't be in another room

@paintfairy this is when I have to admit I bought my sling/baby wearing scarf like 18 months ago already because I had my heart set on a brand that's pricey (sollybaby) and found it dirt cheap on eBay 😅. Also ouch about your scar! I forgot you had that break already

12 week scan done and dusted! 😅

Measuring 11+6 & even got an idea on gender! 😱

Ahh 3 scans today!! @SWAttempting @Vil10 and @larrythelizard

Great news about yours @SWAttempting glad everything is okay! 🥰 xx

Basically @paintfairy you don't clean. Your house will be a sh*those until they leave home 😂 my house looks ok overnight 🙄 maternity stuff is so hit and miss size wise! I bought some tops, in my normal size, fit ok but the shoulder width is ridiculous. My belly is growing not my damn shoulders!

Great news @SWAttempting

@clolo 🤣 I thought you were saying you didn't want to wash. I have to admit when looking at houses I didn't really want one with no bath. I do like a bath and it's useful. I was horse stuff in it and the dog. 🤣 My plumber tried to convince me when we redo it- to take out the bath and have a massive shower and I was like no way. Its a 3 bed house and not a good selling point for families. I have no idea on the answer to your question though. 🤣
@bez91 God, I barely clean as it is! It'll be horrific. 🤣 Maybe I need to start now so it's reasonable by the time the baby comes.
And I struggle with normal clothes never mind maternity. The shoulder thing is random though! 🤣 I probably don't need much for a while yet, just jeans.
@SWAttempting great news. But you can't just tell us half the news! 😲🤣
@Minster2012 I agree with getting them used to noise. No point tip toeing about and setting yourself up for a huge issue later.

Does anyone tell you all these baby rules? Or is it something you are meant to just know? (Which i clearly don't. 🤣)

@paintfairy I think it all depends on what oil they cook stuff in around your area every area seems to be different! Our local chip shop cooks chips in beef dripping 😋 can't say it's the most healthiest option but tastes so nice
@SWAttempting sorry I didn't realise your scan was today! So glad everything went well, any ideas for the gender or are you going to wait a little longer to find our / be team yellow for a surprise?

@Minster2012 ah sounds like your going to be jabbed quite abit then up coming 🤣🙈 I hate it when phones pick up on conversations it's so creepy especially if my phones in another room and still managed to pick up on things!